LTSpice

LTspice

1. Download LTspice IV

Windows version of LTspice: LTspiceIV.exe

Mac os x version of LTspice: LTspiceIV_v2.dmg

2. Download and open the following simple circuit file: rc_highpass.asc

Click on the little running fellow to run the simulation.

3. Try changing the simulation time, frequency, resistor and capacitor values, etc.

4. Download the following sample symbols and sample model file: ALD1101.asy,ALD1102.asy,IRF510.asy,IRF9510.asy, ECE354.lib

Put the files into a directory called "circuit_sim" (or whatever you choose to name it).

3. Download and open sample.asc.

Right click on the .lib statement in the schematic to edit the location of the

SPICE model library to point at the "circuit_sim" directory you created.

Try running a simulation and plot an Id versus Vds

curve of the transistor in the schematic to make sure that both the symbol

and model libraries have been properly installed.

5. Right click on the .dc statement to change the voltage source to sweep to

VG. Run a simulation again and try plotting an Id versus Vgs curve.

Quick tips on LTspice:

- Right click (not double click) on an item to edit its property.

- You can choose the type of simulation (transcient, ac analysis, dc sweep, etc) under "simulate" - "edit simulation cmd"

- After a simulation, click on a net or device terminal of interest to plot the

voltage or current, respectively.

- A single voltage source can be used as different kinds voltage sources by

changing its property.

- Try to label important nets such as input and output

- You can view the spice netlist under "view" - "spice netlist".

Useful shortcuts:

F3: draw a line

F2: add a component

F7: move

F8: drag

F9: undo

F4: label net

Ctrl+E: flip sideways

Ctrl+R: rotate

ESC: cancel

Ctrl+C: copy

Ctrl+X: cut

and also some LTspice tutorials available here: scad3.pdf and LTSpiceShortGuide.pdf

(it used to be called switcherCAD)